Kings of the Night

Introduction

Kings of the Night (first published in Weird Tales, November 1930). It was submitted to Strange Stories, but Farnsworth Wright accepted it for Weird Tales. The first story to feature Bran as a king and describes him as a direct descendant of another Howard character, Brule the Spear-Slayer, companion of the Atlantean King Kull. 

This story was voted the best story in its original WEIRD TALES appearance. It had the highest total vote for that year and the 40th-highest total ever and he received $120 for it.

In a letter to Tevis Clyde Smith (letter #123 in Collected Letters of REH V2) he wrote:

I received a letter from Farnsworth today accepting my “Kings of the Night” — $120, on publication of course. I rather expected him to take it for the new magazine, as it’s full of action but has no really weird touches. However he accepted it for Weird Tales; possibly because the central figure is Kull of Atlantis, featured in “The Shadow Kingdom” and “The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune.” It was rather a new line for me, as I described a pitched battle. However, I think I handled it fairly well. The plot of the story is woven about the attempts of the Romans to extend their boundaries in Britain, about the time the Gaels were beginning to build the Dalriadian kingdom on the western coast of what now is Scotland.

In another letter from early September 1930, he writes to Tevis Clyde Smith (letter #138 in Collected Letters of REH V2):

Weird Tales announces for next month’s issue my story, “Kings of the Night” — ($120.00). Some ways this story is the best I ever wrote. Nothing very weird about it, but good battle stuff, if I do say so myself.

He also told H.P. Lovecraft about the story in September 1930 (letter #140):

But here I am rambling on indefinitely. Thank you very much for the kind things you said about the “Bran-cult.” I notice the current Weird Tales announces my “Kings of the Night” for next month’s issue. I hope you like the story. Bran is one of the “Kings”. I intend to take your advice about writing a series of tales dealing with Bran.

In November 1930 (letter #145) he wrote to Lovecraft again:

I’m glad you liked “Kings of the Night”, also; I hope that your “Whisperer in Darkness” will be swiftly followed by many other tales; I can hardly wait for it!

And also to Tevis Clyde Smith (letter #149 in Collected Letters of REH V2):

Considerably to my surprize, “Kings of the Night” won first place in Weird Tales’ popularity balloting. I knew it was a good tale, but it was so devoid of romance — love interest, that is — and any really weird touch, that I did not think it would take very well with the readers.

Circa February 1931 he mentioned the story in a letter (#157) to Wilfred Blanch Talman:

P.S. I’m mailing you the November copy of Weird Tales which you said you missed; hope you like “Kings of the Night.”

In April 1931 he answered a letter from Wilfred Blanch Talman (letter #162):

I’m glad you liked “Kings of the Night.” You needn’t bother about returning the magazine; I have several other copies.

According to E. Hoffmann Price, he was told that W. Kirk Mashburn was attempting to promote an anthology where Kings of the Night was featured. In a letter to H.P. Lovecraft (#173) Howard writes:

By the way, E. Hoffmann Price writes me that he and Mashburn are attempting to promote a sort of anthology of weird tales — or rather a collection of ten selected stories, which includes your “Pickman’s Model” and my “Kings of the Night.” I’m all for it, myself. Have they mentioned anything about it to you? I think it would be great.

In an undated letter (from October 1931) Robert H. Barlow sent a letter to Howard in which he praises Kings of the Night. HPL was a mutual friend and he also forwarded a 115 pages manuscript (The Mountains of Madness)  from HPL to Howard. Barlow also collected autographs and wanted Howard to send him his. The letter goes like this:

Dear Mr. Howard:
Our mutual friend H. P. Lovecraft asked me to forward this mss. of his to you when I finished it, and I am taking this opportunity to ask you for an autograph. I have been intending to it anyway. I have read all your stories in WEIRD TALES and enjoyed them very much. I think your best was King of the Night. I am enclosing a self-addressed envelope to send an autograph in. Please do send it, as I am making a collection in which I wish to include yours.

The story

“Kings of the Night” by Robert E. Howard is a compelling story that intertwines elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and adventure. It unfolds in ancient Britain, where Bran Mak Morn, the king of the Picts, faces an imminent threat from a Roman legion marching towards his land. The story is notable for its blending of Howard’s created mythos with historical elements, creating a rich tapestry of ancient cultures and legendary figures.

The narrative begins with Bran Mak Morn strategizing to defend his people against the Romans. He has already united various tribes, including his Picts, Cormac’s Gaels, and some Britons with their chariots, but he desperately needs the support of a group of Norsemen. These Norsemen, however, refuse to fight unless led by a king of their own race, following the death of their chief, Rognar. This presents a significant challenge to Bran, as he needs these fierce warriors to bolster his forces.

The turning point comes with the mysterious arrival of Kull, a king from a bygone era. Kull, who claims to be from Atlantis and to reign over Valusia, appears in the story under enigmatic circumstances. His arrival is orchestrated by Gonar, a Pictish wizard, who uses an ancient jewel and his sorcerous abilities to bring Kull through time to aid in the battle. Kull’s appearance and demeanor immediately command respect and awe, not only from the Picts but also from the Norsemen, who agree to follow him into battle.

Kull’s arrival is seen as a godsend by Bran, who quickly integrates him into his battle plans. The strategy is to use the Norsemen to hold a narrow valley pass, delaying the Roman legion and setting the stage for an ambush. Kull, unfamiliar with the time and place but ever the warrior, agrees to lead the Norsemen, who are inspired by his larger-than-life presence.

The battle itself is a brutal affair. Kull and the Norsemen fiercely hold the pass against the Romans, buying time for Bran’s ambush to be effective. Despite their valor and Kull’s extraordinary prowess in combat, the Norsemen are ultimately overwhelmed and slain to the last man. Their sacrifice, however, is not in vain, as it allows Bran’s forces, comprising Picts, Gaels, and Britons, to launch a devastating attack on the now-committed Roman legion.

The climax of the battle is chaotic and bloody, with Bran’s forces engulfing the Romans from all sides. Kull, fighting valiantly and suffering numerous wounds, finds himself cornered by a group of Gauls. In a surreal moment, as the sun sets, a mystical vision appears behind Kull, showing glimpses of his own land and era. Then, as if by magic, Kull vanishes from the battlefield, leaving no trace.

In the aftermath, Bran Mak Morn reflects on the victory and the heavy cost of achieving it. The battle secures the freedom of his people but at the expense of many lives, including the Norsemen who fought valiantly under Kull. The story ends with a sense of triumph tinged with melancholy, as Bran and Cormac ponder the enigmatic nature of Kull’s appearance and disappearance, questioning the boundaries between reality, myth, and time.

“Kings of the Night” is a richly woven tale that explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the blending of myth and history. Howard’s storytelling skillfully brings together different time periods and cultures, creating a narrative that is both fantastical and grounded in historical context. The character of Kull serves as a bridge between these worlds, embodying the timeless qualities of a hero while also being a catalyst for the story’s pivotal events.

Characters

  • Bran Mak Morn: King of the Picts, seeking to unite various tribes against the Romans.
  • Cormac of Connacht: A Gaelic prince, uneasy with the Picts’ savage customs but an ally to Bran.
  • Gonar: A wise and ancient Pictish wizard, capable of mystical feats, including summoning Kull.
  • Kull of Atlantis: A legendary king from a distant past, brought to the present by Gonar to lead the Northmen.
  • Northmen: A group of Norse warriors, demanding a king of their own race to lead them against the Romans.
  • Roman Legionaries: The invading force, led by Marcus Sulius, aiming to extend Rome’s territory.
  • Marcus Sulius: The Roman commander, an experienced and formidable leader.
  • Picts: Bran Mak Morn’s tribe, participating in the battle against the Romans.
  • Gaels: Cormac’s warriors, fierce horsemen aiding Bran.
  • Britons: Allies of Bran, skilled in chariot warfare, crucial in the battle’s outcome.
  • Wulfhere: A prominent Northman, challenging the leadership and authority in the alliance.

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